Fence rall cap bracket assembly

ABSTRACT

A fence rail bracket system. The bracket system may include a bracket with an open end for receiving a fence rail, a retention clip for attaching the rail to the bracket, and a cap for covering the open end of the bracket. The bracket may attach to a wall or post and the fence rail may be slid into the open end of the bracket. The retention clip may attach the bracket to the fence rail and prevent the rail from sliding out of the bracket. The cap may be removably attached to the bracket to conceal the hardware used in the system for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/138,722, filed May 3, 2002, entitled “FENCE RAILCAP BRACKET ASSEMBLY,” which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/288,359, filed May 3, 2001, entitled “FENCE RAIL CAPBRACKET ASSEMBLY” which are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties, including but not limited to those portions thatspecifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference beingmade with the following exception: In the event that any portion of theabove-referenced applications are inconsistent with this application,this application supercedes said above-referenced applications.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to brackets used tosecure a horizontal member to a support structure. More particularly,but not necessarily entirely, the present invention relates to amulti-piece fence rail bracket assembly which not only attaches ahorizontal member to a support structure, but also securely attaches thehorizontal member to the bracket, while preserving the aesthetic qualityof the fence system.

[0005] 2. Description of Related Art

[0006] Fence rails are typically attached to a support structure, suchas a post or wall, with a bracket or other support member. The brackettypically functions to support the rail. The rail is often not securedto the bracket and the rail is able to slip out of the bracket whenstress is placed upon the fence.

[0007] Some of the brackets disclosed in the prior art make installationof the fence rails difficult to accomplish. Installation of the fencerail using these prior art brackets is accomplished by first attachingtwo opposing brackets to opposing fence posts, then placing one end ofthe rail into one bracket, and bending the rail to force the other endof the rail into the opposing bracket.

[0008] Other prior art brackets, such as the fence rail clip disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,224, includes a base for the bracket thatattaches to the support structure. Installation of this bracket isaccomplished by mounting a base to the fence post, then placing thebracket over the rail, and thereafter slidably attaching the bracket andrail to the base. Although this type of bracket system prevents the needto bend the rail to fit it in place, the base only secures a portion ofthe bracket resulting in less stability. Another disadvantage is thatthe rail is not fixedly attached to the bracket.

[0009] The prior art is also characterized by rail brackets with an openend which makes installation of the rail easier, and wherein the rail isattached to the bracket. However, these brackets are unsightly becausethe hardware used to attach the rail to the bracket is visible. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,169 discloses a rail bracket which is openon one end where the rail resides and wherein the rail attaches to thebracket, but the fastener used to attach the rail to the bracket isvisible. The visible fasteners are unsightly, exposed to the elements,and create three dimensional features which can snag clothing or collectdirt.

[0010] The prior art is thus characterized by several disadvantages thatare addressed by the present invention. The present invention minimizes,and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and otherproblems, by utilizing the methods and structural features describedherein.

[0011] The features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the invention withoutundue experimentation. The features and advantages of the invention maybe realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the fence rail capbracket assembly;

[0014]FIG. 2A shows two perspective views of one embodiment of theU-bracket of the fence rail cap bracket assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 2B shows two perspective views of one embodiment of the capof the fence rail cap bracket assembly shown FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 2C shows two perspective views of an alternative embodimentof the cap of the fence rail cap bracket assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 2D shows two perspective views of the retention clip of thefence rail cap bracket assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fence rail cap bracketassembly shown in FIG. 1, with the addition of a rail residing in theU-bracket;

[0019]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecap as shown in FIG. 2C;

[0020]FIG. 4B is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe cap as shown in FIG. 2B;

[0021]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theU-bracket;

[0022]FIG. 5B is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe U-bracket as shown in FIG. 2A;

[0023]FIG. 6A is a break away, front view of an assembled fence showingthe use of one embodiment of the fence rail cap bracket assembly; and

[0024]FIG. 6B is a break away, front view of an assembled fence showingthe use of another alternative embodiment of the fence rail cap bracketassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principlesin accordance with the invention, reference will now be made to theembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Anyalterations and further modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles ofthe invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to oneskilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure,are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

[0026] Before the present structures and methods for a fence railbracket system are disclosed and described, it is to be understood thatthis invention is not limited to the particular configurations, processsteps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, processsteps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood thatthe terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since thescope of the present invention will be limited only by the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

[0027] The publications and other reference materials referred to hereinto describe the background of the invention and to provide additionaldetail regarding its practice are hereby incorporated by referenceherein. The references discussed herein are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as a suggestion or admission that theinventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue ofprior invention.

[0028] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] In describing and claiming the present invention, the followingterminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set outbelow.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,”“containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereofare inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional,unrecited elements or method steps.

[0031] As used herein, “consisting of” and grammatical equivalentsthereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient not specified in theclaim.

[0032] As used herein, “consisting essentially of” and grammaticalequivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specifiedmaterials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic andnovel characteristic or characteristics of the claimed invention.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded perspectiveview of a fence rail cap bracket assembly generally indicated at 10. Inone embodiment, the assembly 10 comprises three pieces. The first piecemay be a bracket 12, with an open end 28, which may have a general “U”shape (hereinafter U-bracket). In alternative embodiments, the shape ofthe bracket 12 will be complementary to the contour of the outer surfaceof a fence rail, or other horizontal member. Referring again to FIG. 1,the “U” shape of the U-bracket 12 may be defined by a first wall 14, anopposing second wall 16, and a bottom wall 18 which form a rail support.The U-bracket 12 may also have a back wall 20. The back wall 20 of theU-bracket 12 may have holes 22, wherein the holes 22 may have an ovalshape. In one embodiment, the U-bracket 12 has four holes 22 (as shownin FIG. 3). The holes 22 may extend through the back wall 20 of theU-bracket 12 and function to receive a fastening means, such as a screw24, wherein the screws 24 attach the U-bracket 12 to a support structure(not shown), such as a post or wall. The oval shape of the holes 22allows the U-bracket 12 to expand and contract with the environmentalconditions, without interfering with the function of the U-bracket 12.The first wall 14 and the second wall 16 may each have a groove 26,wherein the groove 26 may be located on the outer surface of the firstwall 14 and second wall 16. The grooves 26 may extend a majority of thewidth of said first wall 14 and the second wall 16 parallel to thebottom wall 18, and may be located near the open end 28 of the U-bracket12.

[0034] Referring back to FIG. 1, the second piece of the assembly 10 maybe a retention clip 30. The retention clip 30 may have a general “L”shape, defined by a first portion 32 and a second portion 34. Referringto now to FIG. 2D, there is shown two perspective views of the retentionclip 30 of the fence rail cap bracket assembly 10 of FIG. 1. The firstportion 32 may have a hole 36 which may be oval in shape, and which mayextend through the first portion 32 and functions to receive a fasteningmeans, such as a screw 24 (shown in FIG. 1). A recessed area 33 may beformed into the first portion 32 around the hole 36. The recessed area33 functions to prevent the head of a screw 24 (shown in FIG. 1) fromprojecting above the surface of the first portion 32. The second portion34 may have an aperture 38 with teeth 41 projecting inwardly from theaperture 38.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown another perspective viewof the U-bracket 12, the retention clip 30 and the cap 40, from theopposite side of the assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 1, with the additionof a rail 50 residing the U-bracket 12. The teeth 41 on the retentionclip 30 may mesh with the complementary teeth 39 which form a catch onthe back wall 20 of the U-bracket 12. The complementary teeth 39 may bepositioned on a rear face of the back wall 20, whereas the first wall14, the second wall 16 and the bottom wall 18 may form support for therail 50 on the front face of the back wall 20. The retention clip 30 maybe slid into position after a rail 50 is placed in the U-bracket 12. Thesecond portion 34 of the retention clip 30 may be slid into the recessedarea 64 of the U-bracket 12. The teeth 41 of the retention clip 30 mayslide over the complementary teeth 39 on the U-bracket 12. Prongs 35 ofthe retention clip 30 may have elastic memory which allows the prongs 35to flex. Once the teeth 41 of the prongs 35 pass over the complementaryteeth 39 on the U-bracket, the prongs 35 may flex back to their originalposition and the teeth 41 on the prongs 35 of the retention clip 30 maymesh with the complementary teeth 39 of the U-bracket 12. The retentionclip 30 may be attached to a rail 50 or other horizontal member bypassing a screw 24 (shown in FIG. 1) through the hole 36 of theretention clip 30 and attaching the screw 24 to said rail 50.

[0036] Referring again to FIG. 1, the third piece of the assembly 10 maybe a cap 40 that fits over the opening 28 on the U-bracket 12 andconceals the retention clip 30, screws 24, and end of the rail 50 (shownin FIG. 3). The cap 40 may have a general “U” shape. Alternativeembodiments of the cap 40 will generally have a shape that complementsthe shape of the bracket 12. The cap 40 may have a first side 42, anopposing second side 44, and a top side 46. Referring to FIG. 3, theinner surface 43 of the first side 42 and the inner surface 45 of thesecond side 44 of the cap 40 may have ridges 48 which project from theinner surfaces 43 and 45. The ridges 48 may complement the grooves 26 onthe outer surface of the first wall 14 and the second wall 16 of theU-bracket 12. The ridges 48 may define the lower boundary of a channel52 in the cap 40. The channel 52 may receive an upper portion 56,defined on the lower side by the groove 26 of the U-bracket 12 and onthe upper side by the top edge 58 of the U-bracket 12.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3, the upper most hole 22 a of theU-bracket 12 may be centrally located near the top of the back wall 20of said U-bracket 12. The upper most hole 22 a may be located in arecessed area 64, wherein said recessed area 64 surrounds the upper mosthole 22 a and may be defined by a ledge 61. The recessed area 64functions to receive the retention clip 30, such that said retentionclip 30 will slide into the recessed area 64, between the U-bracket 12and a support post or wall (not shown). An edge 62 of the upper mosthole 22 a may project outwardly from the surface of the recessed area 64on the back wall 20. The edge 62 of the upper most hole 22 a may havecomplementary teeth 39 projecting outwardly from the edge 62. Edges 62b, 62 c and 62 d of the other holes 22 b, 22 c and 22 d, respectively,may also project outwardly from the surface of the back wall 20. An edge59 of the back wall 20 of the U-bracket 12 may also project outwardlyfrom the back wall 20.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, there is shown two perspectiveviews of alternative embodiments of the cap 40. The cap 40 may have amouth 70 molded in the top side 46, on the side of the cap 40 oppositethe post or other support structure (not shown). The mouth 70 can be ofvarying depths. FIG. 4A shows a deep mouth 70 a, while FIG. 4B shows ashallow mouth 70 b.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, there is shown two perspectiveviews of alternative embodiments of the U-bracket 12. The U-bracket 12may have a mouth 72 formed in the bottom wall 18 on the side of theU-bracket 12 opposite the back wall 20. FIG. 5A shows a deep mouth 72 a,while FIG. 5B shows a shallow mouth 72 b. The mouths 70 and 72 of thecap 40 and U-bracket 12, respectively, function to receive pickets orpanels of a fence (not shown).

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is shown a front view of anassembled cap bracket assembly 10 supporting rails 50. FIG. 6A shows afence with pickets 74 between the rails 50. The shallow mouth 70 a(shown with dotted lines) of the upper U-bracket 12 receives the picket74. The shallow mouth 70 b of the lower cap 40 also receives the picket74. FIG. 6B shows a fence with planks 76 between the rails 50. The deepmouth 72 a (shown with dotted lines) of the upper U-bracket 12 receivesthe plank 76. The deep mouth 72 b of the lower cap 40 also receives theplank 76. The ability to make the mouths 70 and 72 on the cap 40 andU-bracket 12, respectively, deeper provides more privacy to the fenceowner. Referring to FIG. 6B, the deeper the mouths 70 and 72 are formed,the closer the fence plank 76 will be in relation to the post 80, orother support structure. The closer the plank 76 is placed to the post80, the smaller the gap 78 between the plank 76 and the post 80, andmore privacy is provided.

[0041] Referring back to FIG. 1, the outer surfaces of the cap 40 andthe U-bracket 12 may be formed in an aesthetic manner. The U-bracket 12may widen near the bottom and a ledge 92 may be formed on the outersurface. The widening of the U-bracket 12 near the bottom may alsoprovide added structural strength for support of the rail 50. The bottomcorner 90 of the U-bracket 12 may also be rounded. Referring now to FIG.6A, the rounded corner 90 of the U-bracket 12 may blend into the sightline of the bottom edge 94 of the rail 50. The outer ledge 92 of theU-bracket 12 may blend into the sight line of a lower groove 96 in therail 50. Referring back to FIG. 1, the cap 40 may have an upper roundedcorner 98 and a rounded bottom edge 100. Referring to FIG. 6A, the upperrounded corner 98 of the cap 40 may blend into the sight line of theupper edge 102 of the rail 50. The rounded bottom edge 100 of the cap 40may also blend into the sight line of an upper groove 104 of the rail50.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus disclosedherein is merely one example of a means for attaching a retention clipto a fence rail, and means for attaching a bracket to a supportstructure, and it should be appreciated that any structure, apparatus orsystem for attaching which performs functions the same as, or equivalentto, those disclosed herein are intended to fall within the scope of ameans for attaching, including those structures, apparatus or systemsfor attaching which are presently known, or which may become availablein the future. Anything which functions the same as, or equivalently to,a means for attaching a retention clip to a fence rail, or means forattaching a bracket to a support structure falls within the scope ofthese elements.

[0043] In accordance with the features and combinations described above,a preferred method of assembling the fence rail cap bracket assembly 10includes the steps of:

[0044] (a) attaching the U-bracket 12 to a wall, post or other supportstructure (not shown) with screws 24;

[0045] (b) sliding a rail 50 into the open end 28 of the U-bracket 12;

[0046] (c) attaching the retention clip 30 to the U-bracket 12 byplacing the aperture 38 of the retention clip 30 over the edge 62 of theupper most hole 22 a and forcing the retention clip 30 downward untilthe teeth 41 of the retention clip 30 snap into meshing engagement withthe complementary teeth 39 on the edge 62 of the upper most hole 22 a;

[0047] (d) attaching the retention clip 30 to the fence rail 50 byplacing a screw 24 through the hole 36 in the retention clip 30 andaffixing the screw 24 into the rail 50; and

[0048] (e) placing the first side 42 and the second side 44 of the cap40 over the first wall 14 and second wall 16 of the U-bracket 12,respectively, pressing the cap 40 down on the U-bracket until the ridges48 of the cap 40 snap into the grooves 26 of the U-bracket.

[0049] The U-shape of the bracket 12 makes installation of a fenceeasier and less laborious. The installer merely attaches the U-shapedbracket 12 to a post or wall with screws 24, then slides the fence railin the open end 28 of the bracket 12. The installer does not have toplace the U-bracket 12 on the rail, then slidably attach the fence railbracket to an attachment piece as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,224.In addition, applicant's system attaches the rail to the U-bracket 12with a retention clip 30. The retention clip 30 may be attached to thetop side of the rail 50 and to the rear portion of the U-bracket 12instead of attaching screws 24 through the outside edges of a bracket 12into the rail 50 as disclosed in the prior art. By attaching the rail 50to the bracket 12 in this manner, the hardware used to attach the rail50 to the U-bracket 12 may be hidden from view by the cap 40 and objectsmay also be prevented from snagging on the hardware. Applicant's methodof attachment may also provide more support and strength to theassembled fence.

[0050] Applicant's use of a cap 40 in combination with the U-shapedbracket 12 may also provide aesthetic advantages. The cap 40 may coverthe retention clip 30, screws 24, and open end 28 of the U-bracket 12.Also, the exterior shape of the cap 40 and U-bracket 12 may be formed tomatch the sight lines of the fence rail.

[0051] Those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciatethe advantages provide by the features of the present invention. Forexample, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a fencerail cap bracket assembly that is simple in design and operation.Another feature of the present invention is to provide a fence rail capbracket assembly that securely attaches the rail to the bracket. It is afurther feature of the present invention, in accordance with one aspectthereof, to provide a fence rail cap bracket assembly that has anaesthetically pleasing look. It is an additional feature of theinvention, in accordance with one aspect thereof, to provide a fencerail cap bracket assembly that prevents the rail from sliding out of thebracket when stress is placed upon the fence.

[0052] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements areonly illustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may bedevised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intendedto cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the presentinvention has been shown in the drawings and described above withparticularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to,variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner ofoperation, assembly and use may be made without departing from theprinciples and concepts set forth herein.

1-36 (canceled)
 37. A retention clip for receiving a catch to attach afence rail to a support structure, said retention clip comprising: afirst portion comprising a wall, said wall having an aperture formedtherein to define opposing resilient prongs, said opposing resilientprongs each having at least one tooth formed thereon for engaging saidcatch; a second portion, said second portion having means for attachingsaid retention clip to said fence rail; wherein said retention clip isconfigured to receive said catch between said opposing resilient prongsto attach said fence rail to said support structure.
 38. The retentionclip of claim 37, wherein said first portion and said second portionform a substantial “L” shape.
 39. The retention clip of claim 37,wherein said means for attaching said retention clip to said fence railcomprises an opening for receiving a fastener.
 40. The retention clip ofclaim 39, wherein said opening is substantially oval shaped.
 41. Theretention clip of claim 39, wherein said second portion furthercomprises a recessed area surrounding said opening for receiving saidfastener.
 42. The retention clip of claim 37, wherein said at least onetooth comprises two teeth. 43-67 (Canceled)
 68. A clip for receiving acatch to attach a fence rail to a support structure, said clipcomprising: a first portion comprising a wall, said wall having anaperture formed therein to define opposing prongs; a second portion,said second portion having an opening for receiving a fastener forattaching said clip to said fence rail; wherein said first portion andsaid second portion form a substantial “L” shape, and wherein said clipis configured to receive said catch between said opposing prongs toattach said fence rail to said support structure.
 69. the clip of claim68, wherein said opposing prongs are resilient.
 70. the clip of claim68, wherein said opening is substantially oval shaped.
 71. The clip ofclaim 68, wherein said second portion further comprises a recessed areasurrounding said opening for receiving said fastener.
 72. The clip ofclaim 68, wherein said prongs comprise two prongs.
 73. The clip of claim72, wherein each of said prongs comprise at least one tooth for engagingsaid catch.
 74. The clip of claim 73, wherein each of said prongscomprise two teeth.
 75. A clip for receiving a catch to attach a fencerail to a support structure, said clip comprising: a first portioncomprising a wall, said wall having an aperture formed therein to defineopposing prongs; a second portion, said second portion having an openingfor receiving a fastener for attaching said clip to said fence rail;wherein said second portion further comprises a recessed areasurrounding said opening for receiving said fastener, and wherein saidclip is configured to receive said catch between said opposing prongs toattach said fence rail to said support structure.
 76. The retention clipof claim 75, wherein said first portion and said second portion form asubstantial “L” shape.
 77. the clip of claim 76, wherein said opposingprongs are resilient.
 78. the clip of claim 77, wherein said opening issubstantially oval shaped.
 79. The clip of claim 78, wherein said prongscomprise two prongs.
 80. The clip of claim 79, wherein each of saidprongs comprise at least one tooth for engaging said catch.
 81. The clipof claim 80, wherein each of said prongs comprise two teeth.